Misogynistic and sexist remarks against former Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa has been highlighted in Amnesty International’s 2021-2022 State of the Worlds Human Rights report on Fiji.
Her issue is captured under the heading “Women’s Rights” and highlights the attacks on her at the time she was about to resign from the FijiFirst Government in August last year.
“Women in Parliament, including the minister for women, children and poverty alleviation, were subjected to misogynistic and sexist remarks by parliamentary colleagues and online bullying and harassment,” states the Amnesty International report.
The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement board chair, Makereta Waqavonovono, had issued a statement back then, condemning the attack on the former minister.
“It appears from recent events that the outgoing minister has been targeted by her political foes because of her lack of support of the recent amendment to the iTaukei Land Trust Act No 17 of 2021 popularly known as Bill #17,” Ms Waqavonovono had said.
“Women parliamentarians have to overcome more challenging obstacles than their male counterparts to enter and stay in Parliament.
“Unfair public scrutiny, irrelevant comments about their dress, personal criticisms and sexual innuendos of the type seen in the report, not only damage personal and family lives but also discourage other women from standing as candidates in a male-dominated institution.”
Amnesty International also highlighted the treatment of Fijian women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Women’s rights organisations highlighted the increased prevalence of gender-based violence and unemployment among women as a result of the pandemic,” said the report.
Questions sent to the permanent secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Jennifer Poole and Minister Rosy Akbar remain unanswered.
